Real IRA deny church yard murder
The Real IRA have denied carrying out the murder of a Strabane man on the Donegal border last night.
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Andrew Burns, (27), was dumped from a car and shot outside Doneyloop chapel at around 7.3pm on Tuesday.
He is believed to have had links with republican dissidents in the Tyrone area and fallen foul of former associates. He had also been shot and injured several years ago in a so-called punishment attack.
However, in a phone call to the 'Derry Journal' just before lunchtime today using a recognised codeword, the Real IRA said they had "absolutely nothing" to do with the killing and urged those responsible to explain the reasons for their actions as it was being used against their organisation "for propaganda purposes."
It is understood the victim was shot in the stomach and crawled a short distance before dying from his injuries.
Mr Burns, from Drum Road in the Camus area outside Strabane, was found lying in the church car park adjacent to the parochial house.
It is believed two shots were heard. The alarm was raised by local people who were attending a community event in the nearby parish hall.
Eye witnesses say a number of people, including a nurse, tried in vain to resuscitate Mr. Burns, who was known by his nickname, "Burnsie".
Local priest, Fr Brian McGoldrick, who lives in the parochial house at Doneyloop, said he was appalled by the brutal killing.
Strabane Parish Priest, Fr Declan Boland, said the Burns' family were "crushed and broken" by the death.
"I want to condemn this as a most heinous, immoral and depraved act," he said. "That a young man should be abducted and done to death in such a vicious and callous manner."
Mr Burns' family were too upset to be interviewed when contacted at their home yesterday.
Gardai believe those responsible for the shooting escaped in a silver car. A silver Rover car was later found burnt out at Coshquin in Derry.
The area remains cordoned off this morning pending an examination of the scene by Gardai forensic officers. The State Pathologist is also expected to carry out a preliminary examination at the scene before the body is removed.
Garda Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn, who attended the scene, appealed to families from both sides of the border who were concerned about a missing relative to contact Gardai or the PSNI.
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Weather for Derry
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 9 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South west
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Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 11 C
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